Exterior Home Ideas

Never underestimate the importance of a first impression! Home exteriors are the very first thing neighbors, visitors and prospective buyers see, so you want your exterior home design to impress. Whether you are considering an exterior remodel to upgrade your curb appeal and resale value, or simply want to enhance your home’s aesthetic and ambiance, choosing the right exterior design for your home is an important undertaking.

When exploring various exterior ideas, it is important to remember there are different phases with a home exterior makeover. Exterior remodeling is not much different than interior remodeling — both projects require careful consideration of all the components involved. If you're starting from scratch, browse exterior photos and determine what kind of home exterior design ideas you are drawn to, and which ones would be compatible with your current space. Once that's decided, consider materials and colors. Your overall home and neighborhood style will generally guide these selections, but your personal taste and resale ability should also be taken into consideration. When this phase is complete, you can then move on to researching exterior decorating ideas! Save your favorite exterior pictures to your Houzz ideabook and take notes on what kind of decorations you like and what would potentially work for your space. Adding some finishing touches to the facade, like exterior shutters, always guarantees a personalized, lived-in look, whereas something like exterior lighting is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Which home exterior design style will work for me?

There is a huge range of exterior designs to choose from — whether you're a traditionalist, minimalist or trendsetter, there is an architectural style that will work for you. If you like an old-fashioned look, consider a Victorian, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Tudor, Cape Cod or Craftsman home. For sleek, modern exteriors, think about a Prairie style, art deco, modern or midcentury design. Alternatively, if you want your home to have regional character, go with a mediterranean, Southwestern or tropical style. Ultimately, consider your location, style, budget and current home layout before finalizing your exterior remodeling idea and plans.

What exterior house colors and materials should I use?

The materials you end up using for your exterior remodel are often determined by the overall style of the house. When perusing exterior ideas for more traditional homes, you’ll notice that exteriors are usually comprised of brick and wood shingles, while stone and metal siding are popular contemporary options for more modern homes. If you’re on a tight budget, vinyl siding is a more affordable option; if money is not an issue, stone is beautiful but will cost quite a bit more. Although there is some leeway in the materials you use, be sure they accurately reflect your home’s overall style.

If you're not quite ready for a full-on remodel, there are still several exterior ideas you can put to work. Simple things like changing up the trim and paint colors will make a noticeable impact — try to pick a neutral primary color, like beige, brown or gray. If you want to stray from the norm with bright accents, try painting your front door or garage door something bright, such as red, green, blue or yellow.

How do I decorate my home exterior?

As you consider various exterior decorating ideas, you’ll notice that less is more; a few decorative elements spice up your home's architectural style but too many can make your exterior design look cluttered and chaotic. House numbers are a great way to add personality; you can try a unique font or brighter colors for a different look. Mailboxes, doormats and unique exterior lighting also help enhance your house's facade, and when the holiday season rolls around, don't forget about decorations! Landscaping is also key to a well designed exterior, so choose plants and hardscaping that will play nicely with the decor to provide a welcoming look.

Elegant gray one-story gable roof photo in Seattle with a shingle roofTo give traditional picket a slightly different look, try varying the picket widths for a less uniform style.
For this fence outside a cottage in Seattle, a combination of two slightly different picket widths results in a more custom look. Flat-topped pickets also update this style. - terden

This modern farmhouse located outside of Spokane, Washington, creates a prominent focal point among the landscape of rolling plains. The composition of the home is dominated by three steep gable rooflines linked together by a central spine. This unique design evokes a sense of expansion and contraction from one space to the next. Vertical cedar siding, poured concrete, and zinc gray metal elements clad the modern farmhouse, which, combined with a shop that has the aesthetic of a weathered barn, creates a sense of modernity that remains rooted to the surrounding environment.
The Glo double pane A5 Series windows and doors were selected for the project because of their sleek, modern aesthetic and advanced thermal technology over traditional aluminum windows. High performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals allows the A5 Series to deliver high performance values and cost effective durability while remaining a sophisticated and stylish design choice. Strategically placed operable windows paired with large expanses of fixed picture windows provide natural ventilation and a visual connection to the outdoors.i like but probably too modern for sean - krisetdec

Shawn BishopMid-sized southwest gray two-story stucco exterior home photo in Los AngelesAll that is missing is making that another "room". Fantastic to look at, but I'd want to live in it too. - s_duboeuf

This wrap around patio can be accessed from the dining area or the sitting room of the house and offers plenty of space to enjoy the views of the lake, the farmland and the forest.
Jim Westphalen PhotographyLove the house and design - monica_ellis77

Charming Modern Farmhouse with country views.Example of a mid-sized country white two-story exterior home design in Portland with a hip roof and a shingle roofbeautiful farmhouse and really nice dormers. - ashley_fox33

Inspiration for a large rustic multicolored three-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in Other with a shed roof and a metal roofdesigned by Laura Sullivan of IDology Interiors & Design, features leathered-granite countertops and a shiplap backsplash. The large island is painted in Peppercorn by Sherwin-Williams and hosts four molded walnut stools. Note the stylish banquette alcove in the corner of the room. - me_mi_6x

Parade of Homes Gold Winner
This 7,500 modern farmhouse style home was designed for a busy family with young children. The family lives over three floors including home theater, gym, playroom, and a hallway with individual desk for each child. From the farmhouse front, the house transitions to a contemporary oasis with large modern windows, a covered patio, and room for a pool.Massing. Gables. Approach. Windows. - ckdunford

Modern farmhouse situated on acreage outside of a southern city. Photos by Inspiro8 Studios.Farmhouse white two-story gable roof idea in Other with a metal roofLike the use of window covers and the angled garage. Change gable dormers to one large shed dormer. - tiffany_donnelly9171